Emporia Main Street's DESIGN programs are run by a committee of volunteers along with Main Street staff. The goal of our design initiatives is to create a vibrant downtown commercial district by enhancing the district's physical and visual assets.
Our design programs work to improve downtown buildings, parking areas, street furniture, signs, sidewalks, street lights, and landscaping. Our design programs also help individual business owners with building design, window display implementation, education, and advice. All design activities are focused on making downtown a welcoming place for residents and visitors, and a place for businesses to thrive.
Additionally, the Design Committee works to preserve the legacy and stories of the Downtown Historic District through a variety of historic preservation activities.
Design Programs
Adopt-a-Garden
Emporia's downtown gardens are all maintained by volunteers. If you love to garden, ask us how you can adopt one!
Historic Tax Credits
If you own property within Downtown Historic District, you may qualify for tax credits on maintenance, upgrades or redevelopment.
Veterans Banners
We honor our heroes every fall with a downtown display of over 200 light pole banners featuring area veterans.
Beyond the Banners
Beyond the Banners is a keepsake book that was created in response to the overwhelming popularity of our Veterans Banner Project.
Other Design Committe Projects
Want to support a vibrant downtown atmosphere?
Our design programs seek to create a pleasant, welcoming environment downtown, which draws shoppers, residents, and visitors. This ultimately benefits not just downtown, but our community as a whole.
Interested in joining the design committee?
The Design Committee perfect for creative types who are willing to their hands dirty, as well those who are interested in or knowledgable about Emporia's history. Click the button below if you'd like to join!
Design Education
Chronically Vacant Property Ordinance
The Chronically Vacant Property Ordinance A helping hand, coupled with basic expectations, to curb chronic vacancies in commercial and residential properties One of the most frequently asked questions anyone in an elected office, community development, economic development or civic capacity is asked is: “What are you going to do about that vacant property?” A…
Continue Reading >Trees Please!
Trees Please! Why urban planners are turning to trees to solve community problems. One of the best sources of public discourse at Main Street is the simple act of hand delivering items. We don't always have time to do that, because the community and our membership keeps us very busy jumping…
Continue Reading >Bringing it all Together: The 4 Point Approach
Bringing it all Together Different points provide better results Every business or organization has to ask themselves a series of tough questions to achieve success. What makes you different? What makes you special? How are you different from your competition? The answers to these questions often make up a large…
Continue Reading >What is Your Building Hiding?
What is your building hiding? Out of sight should be on your mind in your building this (and every) year. Spring is here and people are strolling through the community. As creatures of habit, it is common for business people to become accustomed to their…
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